{"product_id":"chicoreus-rachelcarsonae-petuch-1987-32-4mm-tsc-0570","title":"Chicoreus rachelcarsonae Petuch, 1987. 32.4mm TSC#0570","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRare Deep-Water Species Named for Rachel Carson\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eI’m excited to offer this exceptional specimen of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChicoreus rachelcarsonae\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, one of the rarest deep-water muricids found in Florida waters. Originally described by Dr. Edward J. Petuch in 1987, this beautiful species was named in honor of the late \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRachel L. Carson\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, the renowned marine biologist, naturalist, and author whose work forever changed our understanding and appreciation of the sea.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis particular specimen was personally collected by me in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarch 2026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e from a baited commercial lobster trap set in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e240–300 feet of water\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e off Pulley Ridge in the Dry Tortugas aboard the F\/V \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAVA PILAR\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. An added bonus is that this specimen retains its natural operculum, a desirable feature seldom encountered on specimens of this species.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAccording to the original description, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChicoreus rachelcarsonae\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a delicate, highly frondose species characterized by three varices per whorl, five prominent spines on each varix, an elevated spire, and a completely closed siphonal canal. The species is distinguished by its beautiful pink to pale salmon-orange coloration overlaid with fine spiral threads, while the protoconch and early whorls display brilliant orange-red coloration. Petuch further noted that this remarkable species is presently known only from the outer continental shelf off western Florida and differs from related species by its delicate construction, larger aperture, and consistent five-spine arrangement.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis specimen exhibits exceptional frondose development with beautifully preserved branching spines and outstanding orange, cream, and pale salmon coloration. The elevated spire and vivid orange protoconch are well developed, while the retained natural operculum enhances the overall desirability of this remarkable collector specimen. Its intricate sculpture and delicate architecture make it an impressive representative of one of Florida’s most sought-after deep-water muricids.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a beautiful collector-quality specimen with excellent color and outstanding overall presentation. The frondose sculpture, elevated spire, delicate spines, and natural operculum are all well preserved. Minor imperfections associated with commercial trap collection may be present but do little to detract from the shell’s exceptional appearance. Please review all photographs carefully, as they are an important part of the description and accurately represent the specimen being offered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecimen Data\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFamily:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Muricidae\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecies:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChicoreus rachelcarsonae\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Petuch, 1987\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLocation:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Pulley Ridge, Dry Tortugas, Florida\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCollection Method:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Personally collected in baited commercial lobster traps set in 240–300 feet of water aboard the F\/V \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAVA PILAR\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCollection Date:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e March 2026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCollector:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Captain Randy Rivera\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSize:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 32.4 mm (1.28 inches)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTSC #:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 0570MUR-TSC\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYour specimen will be carefully packed and shipped with tracking to ensure it arrives safely.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThank you for supporting Tortugas Shell Collection and helping preserve and appreciate the remarkable molluscan fauna of the Dry Tortugas and Tortuga Terrace. I take great pride in offering specimens that I have personally collected during my commercial fishing operations, providing collectors with authentic deep-water material from one of North America’s most unique marine environments.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tortugas Shell Collection","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48718241923316,"sku":"570","price":325.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0782\/8193\/3044\/files\/DBACDEFB-E734-454A-8560-D5D9954F2F11.png?v=1781793285","url":"https:\/\/www.tortugasshellcollection.com\/products\/chicoreus-rachelcarsonae-petuch-1987-32-4mm-tsc-0570","provider":"Tortugas Shell Collection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}